Following the midweek drama of the UEFA competitions, we return to the Premier League and matchday seven. Liverpool lost their perfect record last weekend, but remain two points ahead of their nearest rivals, Arsenal. Flashscore’s Frank Monkhouse provides his best bets for the weekend.
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Following Premier League champion Liverpool's surprise 2-1 defeat at Crystal Palace last weekend, the Eagles are the only top-flight team yet to suffer defeat this season. Will Arne Slot's team get back on track with a win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening? Football fans can't wait to find out.
Round seven features many eye-catching matches, including Leeds v Tottenham, Arsenal v West Ham, and Brentford v Manchester City. Flashscore's football betting expert Frank Monkhouse offers his best bets from a round that begins on Friday evening in Dorset and ends on Sunday in London. You can follow our picks as singles, add a few to an accumulator or oppose us with your best bets.
Bournemouth v Fulham, Friday, 20:00 BST
The first match of the weekend comes from Dean Court on Friday evening under the bright lights, as the Cherries face the Cottagers. Bournemouth start in sixth place on 11 points and boast a five-match unbeaten record. They lost their league opener, but then reeled off three wins and a pair of draws in their previous five. Another win would send them up to second.
Fulham travel from the UK capital to Dorset, placed 11th in the table following an even split of two wins, a couple of draws, and a pair of defeats. The Londoners have scored seven goals, but conceded eight. They were last seen in action losing 3-1 at Aston Villa in Birmingham just five days ago, but did beat Brentford and Leeds United last month.
We aim to get the weekend off to a flying start by placing our trust in the home side, picking Bournemouth to beat Fulham and delight the home fans. Victory would see the Cherries surge up the table, at least overnight, before the games come thick and fast on Saturday and Sunday. Fulham have lost their last three visits to Bournemouth.
Tip: Bournemouth win @ 17/20 (bet365)
Bet explanation: If Bournemouth beat Fulham, your bet wins.
Leeds v Tottenham, Saturday, 12:30 BST
What a way to start an important Saturday of Premier League fixtures. Leeds United welcome Tottenham Hotspur to Elland Road for an EPL showdown you can follow live from early afternoon. The home team starts 12th in the division following an unconvincing start, with their stats showing a 2-2-2 record. A home win would move them towards the top four.
Tottenham have blown hot and cold in their first six games under new manager Thomas Frank. They started the weekend in fourth place, following three wins, two draws, and a defeat. Spurs have scored 11 goals and conceded only four, taking heart from a three-match unbeaten run. Frank's men know they must improve following back-to-back draws.
Few teams welcome a trip to Elland Road. Leeds are certainly no pushovers on their patch and enjoy the backing of a loyal fanbase. There's belief in the home dressing room, but after seeing Leeds concede nine goals already, I'm picking the Spurs attack to enjoy themselves. Back Tottenham to leave with all three points and hope their strong form continues.
Tip: Tottenham win @ 11/8 (bet365)
Bet explanation: Spurs must defeat Leeds to secure you a profit.
Arsenal v West Ham, Saturday, 15:00 BST
Just two games kick off in the traditional afternoon slots, and the EPL goes for quality over quantity. Arsenal and West Ham face off in a London derby at Emirates Stadium, with the Gunners hoping to win and go top of the league. Mikel Arteta's side closed the gap to just two points behind leaders Liverpool, and could pass the Reds, who play later in the day.
West Ham United make the short journey from East to West London, toiling in the relegation zone. The Hammers have played six, won one, drawn one, and lost four, scoring six goals but conceding 14. That gives them the worst defence in the division, and they now face one of the league's highest scorers. The visitors are winless in three, taking one of nine points.
Saturday's match at the Emirates promises to be a thriller from start to finish, and I'm confident it'll live up to the hype. Removing the derby element, we have a home win pushing for the title and scoring lots of goals against a visiting side in the bottom three, struggling for wins and conceding plenty. Keep it simple and back the home cheer.
Tip: Arsenal win @ 2/9 (bet365)
Bet explanation: If Arsenal win, you win.
Man Utd v Sunderland, Saturday, 15:00 BST
The second match kicking off at 15:00 BST, pairs Manchester United and Sunderland at Old Trafford. The home team enter in desperate need of a win after sinking to 14th in the Premier League. The Red Devils are concerned after losing half of their opening six starts, including two of their previous three. United lost 3-1 to Brentford in London last week.
Sunderland travel from the Stadium of Light to the Theatre of Dreams nine places higher in the charts than their hosts. The Black Cats carry three wins, two draws and a defeat, scoring seven goals and conceding four. They're unbeaten in their previous four at this level, having won two and drawn the others. Sunderland beat Forest at the City Ground last time.
Manchester United enjoy the home advantage here, but I expect the locals to slip to another poor result. United and Sunderland have a combined three draws, and I'm happy to sit on the fence, backing another share. Confidence is low in the home dressing room, and the longer this game stays at 0-0, the more frustration we'll see in the stands. Back a level finish.
Bet explanation: Man Utd and Sunderland must finish level, regardless of the number of goals.
Chelsea v Liverpool, Saturday, 17:30 BST
We have a fantastic end to a busy day of action from the Premier League, as Chelsea host Liverpool. Stamford Bridge will be packed to capacity, with millions more worldwide following the action live on TV. The Blues are in eighth place following a three-match winless run, collecting just one of the nine points available. They must bounce back and fast.
Liverpool suffered their first defeat of the season when slipping to a shock 2-1 reverse at Selhurst Park seven days ago. Having already suffered at the hands of Palace in the Community Shield, the Eagles kept the good times rolling with a hard-earned win. Liverpool conceded deep into stoppage time after Chiesa drew the teams level.
We're placing our trust in the stats and trends when making our Chelsea v Liverpool predictions. The head-to-head show the rivals met twice last season, with Liverpool winning 2-1 at Anfield and Chelsea winning 3-1 at Stamford Bridge. I'll avoid picking a winner and back both teams to score for the third game in a row.
Tip: Both teams to score @ 1/2 (bet365)
Bet explanation: Chelsea and Liverpool must score at least one goal each to win your bet.
Brentford v Man City, Sunday, 16:30 BST
The final match of the weekend takes place in London as Brentford play Manchester City live on TV from the Community Stadium. The Bees are currently at the wrong end of the division following two wins, a draw and three defeats, scoring nine goals, but conceding 11. They've found the net more times than Crystal Palace in third, but conceded more than Forest.
Man City are unbeaten in their previous three EPL games, but started the round seventh in the division. Pep Guardiola's side suffered a sticky patch, but appear to have found their feet, beating Man Utd 3-0, Napoli 2-0 in the UCL, left Arsenal with a 1-1 draw, eased past Huddersfield in the League Cup, and hammered Burnley 5-1 at the Etihad Stadium last time.
Two teams yet to show their best form, but I'm siding with the free-scoring Man City, who now have momentum in their work and confidence in the ranks. These teams scored seven goals in two meetings last season, including a 2-2 draw at this venue in January. I expect another competitive 90 minutes, but fancy Man City to leave with the points, nudging them up the table and towards the prizes.
Tip: Man City win @ 8/13 (bet365)
Bet explanation: Manchester City must defeat Brentford on the road.
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The odds, correct at the time of publication, are subject to change.